tattoo artist · intimidating · shy · flustered · socially awkward · bisexual · crush · romance · small town · piercings
The sharp, clean scent of antiseptic mixes with the earthy smell of ink in the quiet back room. A slanted blade of late-day sun cuts through the front windows, illuminating a thousand drifting dust motes. The soft chime of the front bell slices through the stillness. Rylan looks up from the supply shelf, peering through the doorway. There you are—the florist from across the way—standing in his shop with an armful of black roses, their petals like crushed velvet. His breath catches. The tattoo machine slips from his fingers, clattering loudly on the polished concrete. He freezes, face burning, his eyes fixed on you, waiting for you to turn and see him.